Hoya blashernaezii ssp siariae

Hoya blashernaezii ssp siariae was part of a group Thai order that went disastrously wrong. Of all the plants in the order, this was the only one that survived intact. This means that it was the only plant that I did not have to chop up in an attempt to root something that would save it. While I did not have to chop it up, it was still in pretty sad shape with many yellow leaves. I potted it up and with in a short couple of weeks, it started to respond with points of new growth. I was surprised at the amount of water that this plant could consume.

Hoya blashernaezii ssp siariae was first collected by Mr. Reynold B. Pimentel in Bicol region, Luzon Island, Philippines. The plant was named after Dr. Simeona V. Siar in recognition of her efforts and contributions to the study of Philippine Hoyas. Unfortunately Dr. Siar passed away in 2011. It was first published as Hoya siariae in 2002 by Dale Kloppenburg and was later realized to be a sub-species of Hoya blashernaezii. It was re-published in 2014 as Hoya blashernaezii ssp siariae.

I grow this Hoya in a four inch net pot which allows me to check root health and see more easily when the plants needs to be watered. I seems very happy growing under T-5 fluorescent light in a grow tent that stays in the low 80°s F during the day and drops to the upper 50°s F at night. It grows in my regular chunky mix without any special demands. I fertilize with every watering.

Hoya blashernaezii ssp siariae is a plant that I wanted for a long time. The cute little, pink, cup-like flowers were the draw. I’m really glad that I got the chance to experience the flowers for myself. The only drawback that I can see with this Hoya is the unbelievably short lifespan of the blooms. If you can live with this one flaw, I would encourage you to pick one up if a plant becomes available at a reasonable price.